Mrs. Coulter 8th Grade Reading2012-2013

Class Objective:

The purpose of this course is to help students improve and develop their reading skills. We will accomplish this goal through direct explicate comprehension instruction, collaborative and self-directed learning, strategic tutoring, and extensive reading and writing. Reading classes will be filled with exciting learning opportunities that will help students learn how to attack texts, organize information, and communicate their ideas. This class will focus on teaching students the Reading Apprenticeship method of predicting, visualizing, questioning, connecting, identifying problems in comprehension, applying comprehension strategies, and summarizing.

Expectations:

1. Be Respectful – Treat everyone and everything with respect.

2. Be Prepared – Bring appropriate materials to class everyday.

3. Be Cooperative – Be willing to participate and follow directions

4. Be Responsible – Make wise decisions; you will be held accountable for your actions.

Classroom Discipline:

All district, building, team, and class policies are strictly followed. Pay close attention to all classroom courtesies. Specifically, but not limited to:

o No Gum Chewing

o No locker visits during class

o Student agendas must be used

It is this classroom’s preference to limit bathroom passes to before class begins and the last 10 minutes of the period, unless there is an emergency.

Classroom Routines:

All students will follow certain routines in the classroom. An agenda will be on the board each day along with the any assigned homework. Students are to begin the anticipatory activity immediately upon entering the room. Class will end with a summation of the day’s lesson and silent reading.

Class Materials:

Supplies, such as post-it notes, markers, colored pencils, highlighters, scissors, and glue are provided by the teacher and must remain in the classroom. Reading selections will come from a variety of sources and are provided by the teachers. These readings may be loaned to a student who requires additional time to complete assignments or would like enrichment. Students will also go to the library to check out books for enjoyment and class assignments. Daily materials that must be brought to class include: a pencil/pen, paper, and class folder. The student is responsible for maintaining their folder with all classroom worksheets throughout the course. The notebook will be graded three times during the course.

Grading Policies:

Overall points are awarded for the folowing:

Tests/Quizzes/Projects

Homework

Class Work and Participation

Journals

Class work and participation is a critical element to collaborative learning and the Reading Apprentice method. Students are expected participate in all daily classroom activities. We will be working “hands-on” with a variety of texts at a variety of reading levels.

Late Assignments:

Students will be given 50% credit for one-day late homework and class work assignments and zero percent thereafter unless prior arrangements are made.

Make-up Work:

According to district policy, students receive one day for each day absent to make up missed work. However, assignments due on the day a student is absent will be due the day the student returns. ISS is considered a normal school day; therefore, students are still responsible for due dates. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and obtain make-up work. Make-up worksheets are located in the hanging folders on the chalkboard.

Extra Help:

Extra help is always available before school, during RAMS period, or after school. Students should request individual help as needed.